COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2030 AT KARNAVATI : WHERE HERITAGE MEETS THE FUTURE

Before foreign invasions, Sanatan Dharma thrived as a deeply philosophical, inclusive, and knowledge-driven tradition. It focused on dharma (righteous living), karma, ahimsa, and spiritual pursuits through yoga, meditation, and devotion. Society was guided by scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, which influenced ethics, sciences, arts, and governance. Rituals honoured nature, cosmic harmony, and the interconnectedness of all life. Great centres of learning preserved spiritual and scientific knowledge, while temples served as hubs of culture, education, and community life. Sanatan Dharma’s flexibility and depth fostered a resilient and diverse civilization. Major universities like Takshashila and Nalanda attracted scholars from around the world, while Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions shaped ethical, philosophical, and scientific thought. Society excelled in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, metallurgy, and literature. Magnificent temples, cities, and trade networks reflected architectural brilliance and economic prosperity. Diverse communities coexisted within a cultural framework emphasizing dharma, learning, and creativity. This rich civilizational foundation established India as a centre of global exchange and intellectual influence long before the arrival of external powers.
 

Post-Invasion Period
Invaders altered aspects of Indian culture, religious places, and education primarily to strengthen their political authority, shape social structure, and integrate the religion into their governing systems. Throughout history, conquering powers everywhere have attempted to reshape local traditions to secure loyalty and reduce resistance, and India was no exception. Several medieval rulers introduced their own architectural styles, administrative languages, and court cultures, which gradually blended with local practices. At times, religious sites were modified or repurposed to assert dominance or display power. Repeated raids and conquests led to the destruction of temples, libraries, and universities, disrupting regional centres of learning. Economic exploitation and welfare weakened local kingdoms and traditional systems. New rulers often imposed administrative, religious, or cultural changes, leading to the decline of some indigenous practices.

Change of names
Many countries across the world have changed their names, with reasons rooted in history, politics, and identity. More than 40 countries have officially renamed themselves in the last century. Nations such as Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast), Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) changed colonial-era names to reclaim their indigenous identities. Iran (formerly Persia) and Myanmar (formerly Burma) changed due to revolutions or new political systems. Turkey adopted Turkiye to reflect its native linguistic identity.

In India, since independence, over a hundred cities and towns have been officially renamed or respelled. Prominent examples include Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Chennai (formerly Madras), Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon), Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), and Varanasi (formerly Banaras). Such changes are generally intended to reclaim cultural and linguistic heritage, correct historical distortions, shed colonial or foreign-imposed identities, honour geography and local heroes, assert sovereignty, and modernize a nation’s global image.
 

Karnavati to Ahmedabad
The most widely accepted historical link to Karnavati traces back to the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty of Gujarat, a powerful ruling family based in Anahilabad Patan. Karna, also known as Karnadev Solanki, ruled approximately from 1064 to 1094. He either founded or rebuilt a city along the Sabarmati River and named it Karnavati after himself. Karnavati during this era featured fortifications built of bricks and stones, temples, stepwells, and craft centres typical of Solanki architecture. Its strategic location along major trade routes contributed to its cultural and economic prosperity. However, as the Solanki dynasty weakened and the Delhi Sultanate mounted invasions in the 13th and 14th centuries, many settlements in the Sabarmati region were damaged, abandoned, or repurposed. A major turning point occurred in 1411 when Ahmad Shah of the Gujarat Sultanate established a new city on the Sabarmati banks and named it Ahmedabad. He envisioned a well-fortified capital, which soon grew into a vibrant centre of trade, architecture, and culture. Following the Mughal conquest in 1573, Ahmedabad became one of the empire’s most prosperous trading hubs, especially for textiles. It came under British rule in 1818 and experienced significant industrial growth. The establishment of textile mills earned it the nickname ‘Manchester of India’. A defining chapter in Ahmedabad’s history began in 1917 with the establishment of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, from where he launched major freedom movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 and the historic Dandi March in 1930.

Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event featuring athletes from Commonwealth nations. It is a friendly sporting competition among the former British Empire’s nations, started in 1930, in Canada. Over the decades, the games expanded in scale, inclusivity, and international significance. New sports were introduced, women’s participation increased, and more nations joined the Games. A significant milestone came in 1994, when South Africa returned to competition after the end of apartheid. India hosted the Games in New Delhi in 2010, marking the largest edition at the time, with 71 participating nations and over 6,000 athletes. The event showcased both traditional and modern Commonwealth sports.

Ahmedabad has officially been selected to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Key venues will include the Narendra Modi Stadium and the upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave.

Should Ahmedabad be renamed Karnavati?
The proposal to rename Ahmedabad as Karnavati is a subject of cultural, political, and administrative debate. Supporters argue that the name Karnavati reflects the city’s ancient heritage, tracing its origins to a settlement believed to predate Sultan Ahmad Shah’s 1411 foundation. They view the change as an assertion of local identity and historical continuity. Opponents contend that Ahmedabad has become a globally recognized name with immense economic, cultural, and administrative significance, and altering the name could create confusion and incur high costs. Many also believe that history should be preserved in its layered form rather than selectively reinterpreted. Ultimately, such a decision requires a broad public consensus.

Conclusion
The colonial or foreign-imposed names symbolize past dominance and may be reconsidered to restore cultural and civilizational identity. Reviving traditions, knowledge systems, and heritage altered during periods of foreign rule is essential for strengthening national confidence. India’s civilization has always been syncretic, resilient and adaptable. The objective should be to correct distortions, celebrate authentic heritage, and honour diversity while embracing modern realities. Hosting the Commonwealth Games 2030 at Karnavati would symbolize a meaningful blend of heritage and progress. Renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati could serve as a step toward cultural harmony and mutual respect among all communities.

By Manoj Dubey
Principal (Retd.)
Delhi Public Schools

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